We skipped something like the first 30 lessons when we went from 6/5 to 7/6. That was midyear though, with no break to need review from. My dd did fine.

I've purchased live lobsters, but I read it was more humane to kill them before steaming, so I did it that way.

To the OP--it might be worth asking for a sleep study since you said she has fatigue. Sleep apnea can interfere with weight loss and cause excessive fatigue, and it's more common in those who are overweight.

I made a pot roast, which somehow I miscalculated cooking time on and it wasn't done after being in the oven for almost 2 hours. So we are having the mashed potatoes and roasted carrots I intended to go with the roast...and Trader Joe's Bavarian Bratwursts and sauerkraut instead. Such a bummer because we don't eat meat on Fridays, so we will have to save the roast for Saturday now.

Here's the thread you're referring to. http://forums.welltrainedmind.com/topic/586819-saxon-math-does-it-matter-which-edition/ I personally have the newer, softcover texts and a couple older (third edition) hardbound that were given to me. I use the softcover books currently. They've so far made it through two kids okay. They're definitely flimsier, but I preferred the ease of buying the tests and worksheets booklets new and without hassle. I haven't compared the content closely to know where they might differ there.

I guess I should clarify--I don't mean their forums, I meant their actual published articles and apologists who work there. Yeah, their internet forums are like anywhere else--anyone can, and does, comment as an expert, regardless of qualifications! I do personally know a few of their staff apologists, and I would trust them to be both faithful to the magisterium and full of charity in their responses.

We have septic and a disposal. We don't intentionally put food down the drain ever, but invariably, either in cooking or cleaning, little bits are going to go down the drain/through the dishwasher. Without a disposal, I'd imagine you might be more prone to sink "smells" since larger particles could just get stuck and decay in the p-trap portion of the pipe?

Great recommendation. I'd also recommend Catholic Answers (Catholic.com) as a resource. They have a ton of rock-solid information on their website, and you can also contact them with questions about the Catholic faith.

I have a great book recommendation for you! I saw some other recommending Scott Hahn, and his book "The Lamb's Supper" really drives home the biblical roots of the Mass, as well as explaining the Catholic understanding of the Eucharist. He originally studied theology as a Protestant, so he really understands the common objections or misunderstandings relating to Catholicism. Really, he is very accessible, but also thorough and brilliant, and has helped me, a cradle Catholic, understand my own faith more deeply.

Absolutely. I don't always believe that I am the very best teacher of every academic subject that my kids could have (in fact, I'm sure I'm not), but the time I have with them and the relationships we are building are why I do this. I will never get these days and years back.

I agree--it's very tasty! My husband and kids made me Eggs Benedict in bed last year as an early Christmas gift, using the Trader Joe's hollandaise. It was delicious! They've used the Knorr mix in the past and this was *much* better.

I I would make a point to serve some other special type of drink--a nice sparkling water with lime or lemon, a non-alcoholic cider or sparkling juice, or soda--but I think it would be awkward to approach either the couple in question or the other guests about not bringing alcohol. I'm sure the "dry" couple would say something if it were really necessary, and I would be afraid it might come across as condescending, parental, or meddling if you made assumptions for them. It's nice of you to be so caring about your guests though!

I'm Catholic, and we say Jesus "descended into hell" in the Apostle's Creed. However, by "hell" we don't mean the place of eternal damnation inhabited by Satan and his demons, we mean the place where the just went before the time of Christ, awaiting their redemption and entrance into heaven. There's a short and helpful explanation here at Catholic Answers, which cites the Catechism of the Catholic Church. I personally don't think it makes any logical sense for Christ to enter Hell, as in Satan's abode, since my understanding of Hell is isolation from God.

I bought this X-Acto one in 2011: http://www.amazon.com/X-ACTO-Teacher-Electric-Sharpener-SmartStop/dp/B001PMG98O/ref=pd_sim_229_7?ie=UTF8&dpID=41kTk9qDeJL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=1T1GR9ZNPADX3WT3MH6Q About a month ago it broke. We, too, have colored pencils and a toddler, etc., so I thought it was just shot. Went to buy a new one and saw it actually had a 10-year warranty, so I emailed their customer service and heard back WITHIN THE HOUR. All I had to do was send a copy of my Amazon receipt (the electronic one Amazon stores in your account), and they sent me a replacement. No shipping cost, no mailing my old one back, no hassle. My replacement arrived in about a week. I would absolutely recommend it, and especially X-Acto for their superior customer service!

Agreed--and I worked as an editor before I had kids. It's more important to be able to write and speak well than to be able to label parts of speech or diagram a sentence. The only time I ever needed to do that professionally was when a sentence needed rewriting and the writer *really* needed to be persuaded. As long as your child is at the point where he or she can tell if something doesn't sound write and fix it, I wouldn't sweat it.